Understanding the recent increase in Residential Waste Service Rates

We understand that any increase in household costs can be frustrating. For that reason, we want to explain why residential waste service rates in Mission Viejo recently increased and, most importantly, where those additional costs are coming from.

Effective July 1, the County of Orange increased the fees charged to waste haulers for disposing of trash at landfills in Orange County by 53%. Waste Management, like other waste haulers operating in the County, is required to pay these higher landfill disposal fees.

As a result, the cost of standard residential trash service from Waste Management in Mission Viejo increased from $83.16 to $95.34 per quarter (three months). Waste Management bills residential customers quarterly, rather than monthly.

The total increase was 14.65%. However, only 2.5% of the increase - approximately $0.69 per month - was related to Waste Management's allowable contractual cost-of-living/inflation adjustment with the City of Mission Viejo.

The majority of the increase - approximately 12.5%, or $10.10 per quarter - is attributable to the higher landfill disposal fees established by the County of Orange.

What This Means for Mission Viejo Residents

The City of Mission Viejo works carefully to keep contracted waste service costs as affordable as possible for residents. However, the City does not control County landfill disposal fees.

The largest portion of this recent rate increase is a direct result of the County's 53% increase in landfill disposal fees which impacted the waste disposal costs for every city in the County. Those costs are passed through to residential customers. By comparison, the City's contractual cost-of-living adjustment accounts for only a small portion of the overall increase.

Senior Discount Available

Mission Viejo residents age 62 and older may be eligible for a 20% senior discount on their residential waste service rates. To learn more and apply for the senior discount, click here.

For more information on Waste Management's services for Mission Viejo residents, visit this link.